We developed our Executive 72 Hour Survival Kit to be the best, most portable 72 hour kit we could make yet still made it affordable! Don't let the 'executive' name in the title scare you off thinking it's too expensive. You'll get 'executive' quality and detail at a very attractive price.

Nitro-Pak has been building 72 hour kits for over 2 decades now. We've learned a few things along the ways like what's really needed in your kit and what is just fluff. We realized at the offset that QUALITY COMPONENTS were essential. Our designers scouted the competition. We found that many so call "72 hour kits" were woefully inadequate! Their packs or bags were made so cheaply they wouldn't last 2 days with my 1st grader! Many had surplus items like old lightsticks, woefully lacking in food or water, etc., just to make'm cheap. We knew we could do much better and we did.

No matter what your budget is or where you purchase your preparedness supplies and 72 Hour Survival Kits, look closely at what you are getting for your money. Do not just look at the price alone, but at the quality of components you are getting… top quality or much less. Remember, what you are really purchasing is a 'Survival Insurance Policy' to protect you and your loved ones. Put together piece by piece yourself, our Executive 72 hour Survival Kit would cost over $185 to assemble.

Here are some things to look closely at when shopping for a good quality 72 Hour Survival Kit:

1. Quality of the Bag:

Most the time the search stops right here. Look closely at the quality of the bag. It should be well constructed, made to take heavy-duty abuse, have easy carrying handles and if a backpack, have padded shoulder straps. Does it have extra room for you to add an old sweatshirt or light jacket? How about extra room to add a pair of old tennis shoes (in an evacuation you can walk or run faster in tennis shoes than dress shoes or heels). Remember, this bag is going to protect your "survival insurance" supplies and it had better be up to the task. It should be able to endure the punishment of bouncing around in the trunk of your car for years.

2. First-Aid Kit:

Look closely here. Most kits simply include a ziplock bag with a few bandaids and antiseptic wipes. Better kits will have a much broader selection of first-aid items and also include a comprehensive first-aid book. First-aid kits can range from the $2 types to the $30+ types. Be sure your kit has a wide range of various first-aid supplies.

3. Food:

Be careful here. Your kit should only have foods specifically made to be non-thirst provoking, provide high calories (for energy), be low in protein (requires less water of digestion), not affected by high heat (think, car trunk in the summer), have a long shelf-life and yet still tastes good. Lifeboat 'emergency food rations' are ideal for 72 hour kits and meet all these requirements like the food bars made by Datrex or Mainstay. We recommend only the 3600 calorie size bars (1200 calories per day for 3 days). Smaller sizes are woefully inadequate.

4. Water:

Your kit should include water. Some kits have none. The best way to store water in your kit is using U.S. Coast Guard Approved "Lifeboat" water ration pouches. They have a 5 year shelf-life. At a minimum you should have 3 to 4 pouches (4 oz each) per day per person. No, that is not a lot of water, but remember, weight is always a factor and you may need to hike with your kit for some distance.

5. Flashlight & Radio:

Here is often where good quality kits differ dramatically from lesser quality ones. Does your kit come with a quality flashlight and include batteries, or is it the $1 store type? Is there a backup light source such as an instant lightstick or long burning candle? Does it include a good quality am/fm radio? A radio should be included so you can hear the latest news reports and updates. It is also a good moral booster. Be sure batteries are included and that you rotate them every couple of years (you might even want to add an additional set for added safety). A windup rechargeable solar/dynamo radio would even be even a better choice. (See Executive Upgrade Kit).

6. Shelter, Heat & Warmth:

Many low cost kits do not include much. Protection from the elements is important. A heavy mil thickness 'tube tent' makes a low cost shelter for 2 people and should be included in your kit (it can also be used as a signaling device). Your kit should also have several items to cover the basics of Heat & Warmth, too, such as a long burning candle with MATCHES (for light & heat), instant pocket hand warmers and a Space® Blanket for each person. As always, remember quality. Most companies will only use low cost inferior knockoffs.

7. Is the Kit Made for 1 or 2 People?

Most preparedness experts recommend having one or multiple kits that protect 2 people each. The reason for that is when disaster strikes, you'll be preparedness for both you and someone else (child, co-worker, etc).

We take pride in every kit we make. Our Executive 72 Hour Survival Kit has been designed to provide maximum protection for you and your loved one when disaster strikes. All the survival basics are covered, including food, water, shelter, first-aid, light, heat, sanitation, communication, and more. Comes packed in a premium quality, heavy-duty nylon backpack so that everything is easily accessible when you need it and has plenty of extra room inside for a light jacket and spare set of comfortable walking shoes.

* 1 - Deck of Playing Cards (time occupier for kids & adult at shelter or

if stuck at work or school. Helps time pass much faster).

* 2 - N95 Hospital Grade Dust Masks

PLEASE NOTE COLOR CHANGE: The color of the bag has changed from the picture. It has now been ugraded to a highly visable bright Florescent Orange or Royal Blue with Black trim to make finding you bag faster in an emergency. PLEASE NOTE--Some of the items have slightly changed from the photo. See content list for items included.